Does USPS update tracking? (updated live, not updated, after delivery + more)
One of the wonders of modern technology is the ability to track a package’s journey from across the country to your door.
The U.S. Postal Service handles a large volume of domestic and international mail, a large portion of which is packages with tracking information attached.
But does USPS update the tracking? Is it a reliable sending and receiving service you can rely on? Here’s what you need to know!
Does USPS update tracking?
The US Postal Service does update its tracking information for items that are large enough or that have been shipped through a service that includes tracking. While real-time tracking is not available, USPS updates tracking information multiple times per day and can be relied upon for accurate reporting.
To learn more about USPS Live Tracking, what tracking updates mean, what it might mean if your tracking information isn’t updated, and why your tracking information is still updating after delivery, read on to get the answers!
How does USPS Tracking work?
When an item is shipped by USPS or one of its partners, USPS provides a barcode on the item’s shipping label if the item is large enough or has been shipped using the applicable service.
Barcodes have an associated tracking number, so tracking information is updated each time a barcode is scanned on its journey from source to destination.
These scans most often occur between arrival at a facility and departure (it’s a lot of fun watching something like this move across the country).
In most cases, the sender will share the tracking number with the recipient so they too can keep the discount on the package while it moves towards them.
Additionally, tracking can help recipients know when delivery is ready and avoid any late-stage mishaps.
USPS Tracking always states an “Estimated Delivery Date” which will be updated as the item is moved.
Does USPS update tracking in real time?
Real-time tracking updates are not feasible for USPS given the number of packages that pass through its organization each day.
However, USPS updates tracking several times a day.
If there’s been new activity since the last update, you can bet the latest scans will be included in the latest update.
While you probably won’t receive the update the moment it happens, I’ve found that it usually happens within a fairly short period of time.
Sometimes it’s only half an hour, but I’ve also had updates happen after 6-12 hours.
What does USPS Tracking Update mean?
The language used in tracking updates can be a bit confusing, so let’s review some of them.
- One thing I often see is “USPS has created a shipping label, pending item”; this means the label is ready for use on the USPS end, but the item has not yet been fully shipped.
- Similar to this is “Departed Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Items”; this gives you more information. You know your item is on its way to a USPS facility.
- “On the way”; is a catch-all name for when your item starts moving. You may see it recur as items stop and move, switching facilities.
- “Delivery” is easily one of the most exciting tracking updates ever received – your item is on the delivery truck and will be delivered the same day!
- “Published”; Your package has arrived at its destination. If it fits in the mailbox, that’s the most likely location, but if it doesn’t, it might be in a different location.
Try looking inside your porch (if you have one); smart postmen leave packages there because street pirates can’t see them.
- “Unreachable” means that the delivery driver is trying to reach your address, but there is some kind of obstacle.
This could include a gated community, or maybe an unfriendly dog that can get into the mailbox area.
- “Notice Left” is usually what you see when a package needs a signature but no one is home. You will go to the delivery post office to retrieve the item.
Be sure to bring the notice left by the postal worker!
These are some of the most common phrases you’ll see when tracking packages.
For a complete list and more details, visit the USPS web page here.
Can you receive text tracking updates from USPS?
USPS allows you to sign up to track updates, text or email.
To access this free feature, visit your project’s tracking page. Scroll down to “Text and Email Updates.”
You can choose what type of updates you receive (e.g. “Package In Transit Updates”, “Estimated Delivery Updates”, etc.) and how (SMS or email) you receive them.
From here, you will have to have an account with USPS and have both a phone number and email address on file.
Once you’re done, you’ll receive tracking updates as the site updates (not in real time), which will save you a lot of anxious checking.
Should you be concerned if USPS Tracking is not updating?
If your USPS tracking has not been updated in a few days, you don’t need to worry.
While it can be incredibly frustrating when you’re expecting labor, it usually doesn’t mean anything bad.
most likely answer? The package somehow skipped the scan.
Also a possibility? The package skipped the scan and was on the long journey.
If you’re in New York and your item is from California, that’s definitely an excuse for not updating for days.
Does USPS update tracking information after delivery?
It can be jarring to check an old delivery you received and see the new tracking information.
This is likely the case for recycling tracking numbers.
Although rare, USPS can get overwhelmed with packages and use old tracking numbers when shipping new items.
This is most likely happening if your old tracking information shows an item as “Delivered” but not as “Archived” for your location.
Why is your USPS package stuck in transit?
There’s nothing more frustrating than checking the status of your tracking multiple times over the course of several days only to find it stuck in transit.
However, this does not necessarily mean that your package is lost.
In some cases, it may be that an item missed the scan and is in transit. If so, you will receive an update after the next scan.
Also, there may be something causing the delay, but the delay has not been recorded in the system.
Alternatively, if your package is delayed, USPS will initiate an update and provide you with a new estimated delivery date.
(If you receive an item from Amazon, ship using Prime 1 or 2 days, and your item is late, you can get reimbursed from Amazon!)
Finally, unfortunately, your item may be lost. Here’s a chart of USPS’ delivery standards and when to contact customer service.
If you’d like to learn more, you can also check out our related guides on whether USPS texts, USPS ships to Canada, and USPS delivers to your door.
in conclusion
Overall, USPS does an excellent job of updating tracking status.
While it may not happen in real time, errors and lapses are rare for the volume of mail sent through this system.
